1981 BMW 518 vs. 2007 Chevrolet Lumina
To start off, 2007 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Chevrolet Lumina (335 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 514 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Chevrolet Lumina (470 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2007 Chevrolet Lumina | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Lumina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2940 mm |
